Geno Carr brings the comic relief to the new hit musical Come From Away. The California theatre mainstay, educator, and Craig Noel Award nominee makes his Broadway debut as Oz & Others in the true story of 7,000 people who found themselves stranded in a small Newfoundland town during 9/11 and how the town tirelessly worked to make them feel at home. Get to know Geno a bit better as he talks coming to B'way, overcoming challenges, and much more.
1. The biggest pinch-me moment of my Come From Away experience so far:
Every moment has been a pinch-me moment. I’m black and blue! If I had to pick one (do I have to?) it would be the trip we all took to Gander, Newfoundland. We performed two benefit concerts and got to experience, first-hand, the amazing place and people from our story. An unforgettable experience.
2. The thing I enjoy most about being part of a truly ensemble piece:
Being able to rely on everyone around me so completely and share the joy of telling this amazing story together. We’ve been doing this show in several cities for a long time now (the world premiere was over two years ago) and we are a family. We work as a real team on stage and that is both artistically rewarding and tons of fun.
3. The most surprising thing about making my Broadway debut has been:
That I still have to pay for drinks when I go out. That and how much fun the whole experience has been. I was worried I would be nervous and stressed out with my first Broadway show and all that comes with it, but it has been a really great ride so far!
4. What I love most about theatre in California is:
Being able to drive to work. I miss it! I also miss the amazing community of artists in San Diego and all of the wonderful work that they do. Nothing like driving to your theatre in the California sun with the windows down to do a great show with great people.
5. As an educator, three things I hope my students come away with:
1. Be fearless and take lots of risks. 2. Don’t worry about being on the right path to success; just keep working and go wherever the road takes you. 3. Work hard and have fun!
6. I could not make it through a two-show day without:
Coffee and a good night’s sleep. Although, with a 19-month-old, the latter doesn’t always happen. So, coffee.
7. Something I’ve learned about myself through this Come From Away experience:
I’ve learned that I am the luckiest guy in the world. Hands down. Both professionally and personally.
8. My most memorable audition story:
I was singing the crap out of “Music of the Night” at an early morning audition. Then, I got to the second verse, and the big high note, and yodeled like a Nordic mountain climber. Awful. The stuff of nightmares. They let me try again. San Andreas Fault-sized crack. As you can imagine, I didn’t book the job. I also never sang “Music of the Night” at an audition again, learned to schedule afternoon auditions whenever possible, and to no longer always try and impress by shooting for the crazy high note. I now pick songs I like to sing, that show my personality and that display the strengths of my voice without trying to blow the roof off the place. Everyone is happier.
9. The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a performer and the way I overcame it:
Learning to hold myself to a high standard without punishing myself for not always being “perfect.” It’s a delicate balance. It’s taken a ton of time and lots of experience, but I’m getting better every day.
10. One way becoming a father has informed who I am as an actor:
I have a whole new responsibility to create quality art and do my small part to make the world a slightly better place; I owe it to my son, Elliott.
Don't miss Geno Carr and the company of 'Come From Away' at Broadway's Schoenfeld Theatre.
